by Hannah May 14,2025
It's impossible to discuss modern video games without acknowledging the profound impact of Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar's legendary crime saga has evolved from a controversial PlayStation 1 classic to a globally recognized cultural phenomenon. Its latest installment, Grand Theft Auto 5, stands as the third best-selling game of all time.
The journey to this monumental success was not instantaneous. Over the span of more than two decades, Rockstar has meticulously crafted its iconic crime series, developing hyper-immersive open worlds that captivate players long after their initial release. With a total of sixteen Grand Theft Auto titles released since the franchise's inception in 1997, newcomers might be curious about where to begin. To guide you through this expansive universe, we've compiled a chronological list of every GTA game, helping you navigate the timeline of this crime-filled saga. However, fans will have to wait until 2026 for the next chapter, GTA 6.
Jump to:
There are a total of 16 games in the Grand Theft Auto series – eleven on home consoles, one on PC, and four on handheld devices. The next installment, GTA 6, is slated for release in 2026.
Before delving into the list, it's essential to understand the series' continuity. As confirmed by Rockstar in 2011, the GTA series is divided into three distinct timelines: the 2D timeline, the 3D timeline, and the HD timeline. While events across these timelines may share similarities or be identical, Rockstar considers them separate universes. Therefore, we'll categorize the games according to their respective timelines.
If you're eager to dive into the Grand Theft Auto series before GTA 6 hits the shelves, starting with the latest entry, GTA 5, is a wise choice. This modern masterpiece is accessible across numerous platforms and offers the added bonus of GTA Online for multiplayer excitement.
8See it at Amazon
Below, we list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 2D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and story arcs.
The second expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 is one of only two GTA releases not available on PlayStation, exclusively accessible to PC players. This prequel to Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 follows an unnamed criminal ascending through London's criminal hierarchy by executing tasks for mobster Harold Cartwright.
The inaugural expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 introduced the series to the city of London. It chronicles the journey of an unnamed British criminal battling various crime syndicates to forge their legend on the streets. This includes joining forces with Harold Cartwright's gang from Grand Theft Auto: London 1961 and confronting the menacing Crisp Twins.
The first mainline entry in the series, Grand Theft Auto, follows an unnamed protagonist navigating the criminal underworlds of Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Set in 1997, the protagonist engages in bank heists, assassinations, and escapes, building a reputation while aiding various sinister gangs. Notable encounters include high-ranking criminals like Robert Seragliano, El Burro, and Uncle Fu.
The second mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto 2, marks a significant shift from its predecessor, taking players to the futuristic metropolis of Anywhere City. The story revolves around a criminal named Claude Speed, who collaborates with various crime syndicates to earn money and respect. The game's timeline placement is ambiguous, with references suggesting settings in both 1999 and 2013. Nonetheless, it concludes the 2D timeline.
Below, we list the Grand Theft Auto games from the 3D universe. These summaries include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and story arcs.
A prequel to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, set in 1984, follows US military soldier Victor Vance. After being dishonorably discharged due to a framing by his sergeant, Vic turns to Vice City's underworld, rising to lead a crime family with the help of his brother, Lance. Their journey intersects with various characters from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, culminating just before the events of that game.
The fourth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, is set in 1986, two years after Vice City Stories. It follows Tommy Vercetti, a notorious gangster from Liberty City, who arrives in Vice City to expand his boss's drug trade post-release from jail. A botched drug deal plunges Tommy into the city's criminal underbelly, where he partners with Lance Vance to reclaim his losses and build a criminal empire.
The fifth mainline entry, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, set in 1992, follows Carl 'CJ' Johnson and the Grove Street Families. Returning to Los Santos after his mother's murder, CJ seeks revenge and aims to restore the gang's former glory. Amidst betrayal and corrupt law enforcement, CJ navigates the criminal landscape across Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas.
Set in 1998, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories acts as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3. It follows Toni Cipriani, a gangster working for Salvatore Leone, who returns to Liberty City after fleeing to Italy. Toni climbs the ranks of Leone's gang, navigating mafia politics and setting the stage for the events of Grand Theft Auto 3.
Set in 2000, Grand Theft Auto Advance is a prequel to Grand Theft Auto 3, released on the Game Boy Advance. It follows Mike, a criminal seeking vengeance for his partner Vinnie's murder. As Mike pursues his killers, he collaborates with characters from Grand Theft Auto 3, including 8-Ball and Asuka Kasen.
The final game in the 3D timeline but the first released in the 3D era, Grand Theft Auto 3, set in 2001, follows Claude, a bank robber betrayed and left for dead by his girlfriend, Catalina. After escaping custody, Claude infiltrates Liberty City's criminal underworld, eventually confronting Catalina in a quest for vengeance.
Below, we list the Grand Theft Auto games from the HD universe. These summaries include mild spoilers covering characters, settings, and story arcs.
The first entry in the HD era, Grand Theft Auto 4, set in 2008, follows Niko Bellic, an Eastern European ex-soldier arriving in Liberty City to reunite with his cousin, Roman. Discovering Roman's dire financial situation, Niko turns to crime, forming alliances and seeking revenge against a former military comrade.
Set concurrently with Grand Theft Auto 4, The Lost and the Damned follows Johnny Klebitz, Vice President of The Lost MC motorcycle gang. Released from rehab, Johnny faces leadership challenges when President Billy Grey returns, sparking a gang war and internal strife.
Also set alongside Grand Theft Auto 4, The Ballad of Gay Tony follows Luis Lopez, a bodyguard striving to save his boss, nightclub owner Tony Prince, from financial ruin and mob debts. Their plan to secure smuggled diamonds goes awry, leading Luis on a frantic chase through Liberty City.
Set in 2009, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows Huang Lee, tasked with delivering an ancient sword to his uncle in Liberty City. After being ambushed and presumed dead, Huang seeks the sword's thieves, uncovering a potential inside job within the Triads.
While its exact placement on the timeline is unclear, Grand Theft Auto Online begins shortly before Grand Theft Auto 5 and evolves over a decade of updates. Players create a criminal character in Los Santos, engaging in various criminal enterprises and revisiting characters like Franklin from GTA 5 in later updates.
Set in 2013, Grand Theft Auto 5 follows three protagonists: Franklin, Michael, and Trevor. Michael, living under witness protection in Los Santos, is drawn back into crime after meeting Franklin. Their heists draw the attention of Trevor, Michael's former partner, leading to escalating tensions and revelations about their past.
While Take-Two Interactive initially announced a fall 2025 release window, the latest updates have shifted GTA 6's release date to May 26, 2026. The game's reveal trailer sets it in a fictionalized Florida, including Vice City, and introduces two criminal protagonists, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
A subsequent trailer, hailed as the "biggest video launch of all time," blends cinematics with gameplay. We've dissected numerous details from this trailer, including key characters and the potential impact on future game graphics. As one of the most anticipated releases, the wait for GTA 6 promises to be worth it.
Girls Frontline 2: Exilium Global Website Goes Live, Along With Its Socials!
Marvel Rivals: Understanding Bussing and Catching It
New Game Plus in Assassin's Creed Shadows: Confirmed?
Top Skills to Prioritize for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Movements Reviewed by Two Parkour Athletes
Death Stranding 2 Release Date Unveiled in Massive Trailer
Top 25 Action Films Ever Ranked
Top Free Fire Characters 2025: Ultimate Guide
Obsidian Expands Universe with Grounded 2 Due to Space Constraints in Original
Nov 14,2025
Final Fantasy MTG Kit Back in Stock on Amazon
Nov 14,2025
9th Dawn Remake Mobile Trailer Coming Soon
Nov 14,2025
Cub8: Master the Hypnotic Rhythm
Nov 13,2025
Avowed Merges Destiny's Style with Skyrim Roots
Nov 13,2025
Category 
